 |
9/23/01 Past/Future Articles |
|
|
|
9/23/01 Past/Future Articles |
|
We are told in Psalms “to be still and know that I am God.” I find this a difficult saying as I am always wanting to fix things. This past week has shown us first hand there are powers that be which control things which are out of our hands. However, there is the greatest power of all and that is our Heavenly Father. I know He is in control and His Word will prevail. Therefore, what is required of me? In Micah, we are told to “love mercy, do justly, and walk humbly.” Herein is incorporated the crux of Christian living. Serve God and by doing this we serve our fellowman. I Tim. 6:11 tells us we are to . . .”pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. . .” “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
Following are eight ways to approach each day with a joyful heart.
1 Travel light. Live life without excessive
baggage, hurts, worries, bitterness, and mistakes. This weight
will slow one down and blind one to present opportunities. “... Let
us throw off everything that hinders (Hebrews
12:1).
2 Learn to laugh. Laughter is better than medicine.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine. . .” (Proverbs
17:22). Humor will increase daily enjoyment of life and give
necessary flexibility.
3 Stay balanced. One needs enough happiness to
keep him/her gentle, but enough trials to keep himself/herself strong.
One needs enough success to remain enthusiastic, but enough failure to
humbly depend on God rather than himself/herself.
4 Be thankful. Count the numerous blessings of
life! Express appreciation to others through kind words and acts
of gratitude.
5 Be generous. Give generously one’s time, energy,
and praise. Each individual in this life needs encouragement to make
a difference. “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word
cheers him up” (Proverbs
12:25).
6 Do More. Do more than tasks that are expected.
Go the second mile! Do more than just exist in this world- -live!
Do more than touch lives- -feel compassion! Do more than look at
life’s beauty- -observe! Do more than listen to those that are hurting-
-understand! Do more than think about God’s Word- -ponder and teach
it!
7 Change. When circumstances cannot be changed,
change one’s attitude.
8 Trust God. “. . Fix our eyes on Jesus the author
and perfecter of our faith. .” (Hebrews
12:2). God is our Savior. We are just instruments to do
His will. He is the source of our faith, strength, and hope.
He has the wisdom to handle life’s struggles. Pray each day and depend
on Him!
cc in part . . . W. M. Bishop